Direct quote

Definition

A direct quote is the verbatim repetition of someone else's spoken or written words, enclosed in quotation marks to indicate that the words are not the writer's own. Direct quotes are essential in journalism as they provide authenticity and context to a story, allowing the voice of the source to be clearly represented and attributed accurately. They add credibility to the reporting and help convey the emotions, tone, and perspective of the individual being quoted.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Direct quotes must be accurate and reflect exactly what the source said, without any alterations or paraphrasing.
2. Using direct quotes can enhance a story by providing firsthand accounts and perspectives, making it more engaging for readers.
3. When using a direct quote, it's crucial to include proper attribution to give credit to the person being quoted and maintain journalistic integrity.
4. Journalists often use direct quotes to emphasize important points or key moments in an interview, making them stand out in the narrative.
5. Direct quotes can also be used to convey emotions and feelings more effectively than paraphrasing, capturing the speaker's tone and intent.

Review Questions

• How do direct quotes contribute to the authenticity of a news story?
  • Direct quotes enhance the authenticity of a news story by providing verbatim accounts from sources, which allows readers to hear the exact words and sentiments expressed. This not only adds credibility but also gives voice to individuals involved in the story, making it more relatable. By including direct quotes, journalists can convey emotions and perspectives that enrich the narrative.
• In what ways can improper use of direct quotes affect journalistic integrity?
  • Improper use of direct quotes can severely damage journalistic integrity by misrepresenting what a source has said or taking quotes out of context. This can lead to misinformation and erode trust between reporters and their audiences. Accurate attribution is vital; if journalists fail to provide proper context or distort a source's words, it undermines the credibility of both the publication and the journalist.
• Evaluate the impact of using direct quotes versus paraphrases in conveying source material in journalism.
  • Using direct quotes versus paraphrases has a significant impact on how source material is conveyed in journalism. Direct quotes provide authenticity and a personal touch that allows readers to connect with the source's emotions and intentions directly. In contrast, paraphrases can simplify complex ideas but risk losing nuances in tone and meaning. The choice between these methods should depend on the context; for impactful statements, direct quotes may be preferred, while paraphrases can effectively summarize broader ideas without overwhelming detail.

Related terms

paraphrase: A paraphrase is a restatement of someone else's ideas or words using different wording while maintaining the original meaning.

attribution: Attribution refers to acknowledging the source of information or quotes in journalism, ensuring that readers know who provided the information.

indirect quote:

An indirect quote conveys someone else's ideas or statements in the reporter's own words without using quotation marks, summarizing their message.